20 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Golden Retrievers

It’s no wonder that Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world today. These furry canines make exceptional pets because they are smart, loyal and entertaining. If you are considering which type of dog that you want to bring into your home, you should learn more about what makes Golden Retrievers so special before you make your final choice. We’re sure that you’ll agree, they stand out in the crowd of pups as the cream of the crop when it comes to talent and abilities. Here are twenty fun facts about Golden Retrievers that you probably didn’t know.

A First Dog was a Golden Retriever

A Golden Retriever was given the distinction of becoming a first dog in the White House. President Gerald Ford was thee proud owner of this remarkable breed. Ford named the pet Liberty. She quickly became famous in her new role as first dog and the people truly loved her. Liberty gave birth to a litter of puppies within the walls of the White House and established the Golden Retriever as a kind of royal family. President Ronald Reagan also owned a Golden Retriever while he served as President.

Golden Retrievers are extremely popular

When it comes to popularity, Golden Retrievers rank as number three in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club. Just a few of the things that make them one of the top dog breed is their amazing personality and disposition. They are friendly, generally well-behaved and physically attractive to look at. People find a great deal of worth in these dogs and some are willing to pay a high price tag for retrievers from champion blood lines. Others are just happy with a non papered Goldie because they’re such amazing pets and companions.

The name of this dog has been changed

The real name of what we now know as a Golden retriever is different. When this breed originated, it was referred to as a “golden flat coat.” This isn’t a very appealing name and it doesn’t do justice to the amazing animal that deserves a more attractive name. We’re not talking about a gallon of paint here, we’re describing a beautiful animal instead. Thank goodness that the decision was made to change the name to Golden Retriever. It really is far more accurate when describing them.

Golden Retrievers make excellent assistance dogs

Golden Retrievers are a popular choice for assisting persons with disabling conditions. You see them frequently as aids for the blind and low sighted. They are also used for helping people who need other kinds of assistance. What makes them such a good choice for this job is that they are very intelligent, easy to train and they love to serve. These dogs have a powerful work ethic when they are properly trained. They are loyal, calm, and respond well to commands. They pick up on new things very quickly. They are also large enough to perform tasks that require physical strength. They are excellent at leading, signalling when there is danger, fetching and providing their owners with security. Is there anything that a Golden Retriever can’t do?

It took a long time for Golden Retrievers to gain recognition

Golden Retrievers have been in the country for a long time, but they were not officially recognized as an official breed of dog. It wasn’t until 1925 that the American Kennel Club granted them this official recognition. While they were a popular breed from the start, it took the organization a while to decide that they should grant them this distinction. This was much like the Oscar that Leonardo DiCaprio waited to long to receive. Most people thought it should have been done years before it actually happened.

They are good hunting dogs

Originally bred for hunting, Golden Retrievers have an inborn instinct to hunt. It’s one of the things that they most love to do. This is one of the reasons why they are the top preferred breed for many hunters. These dogs have the physical build and stamina for hitting the trails with their masters. They make excellent trackers and flushers. The name retriever says it all. They are easily trained to retrieve wildlife that has been bagged by hunters. These dogs save their masters a lot of time and effort simply by doing something that they truly love, and that is helping to bring in the game. One of the best advantages of owning a Golden Retriever is that they have the capacity for being an excellent hunting dog in the field, but during off seasons when there is no hunting to do, they make wonderful household pets. They move easily in and out of the roles that they are assigned by their owners.

Golden Retrievers are obedient

If you’re looking for a dog that is very obedient, then the Golden Retriever is an excellent choice. These dogs have an inherent need to please their owners to gain acceptance and recognition. They delight in doing their job and doing it to the best of their abilities. Many Golden Retrievers have a stronger work ethic than some humans. TA Goldie that is properly trained will obey commands even when it is something that they’d rather not do because they are more interested in pleasing their owners and the people that they love than they are in doing their own thing. This is extreme dedication that is rare in any dog breed but it’s common in Golden Retrievers. They earn a strong sense of accomplishment for a job well done and they look to their masters for updates on their progress with a pat on the head and a little praise now and then. They really don’t ask for a lot in return but it’s important to let them know. Owners shouldn’t expect to get this kind of cooperation though, unless they are willing to put forth the time and effort to train their dogs so they clearly understand commands and what is expected of them. They’re smart dogs, but they weren’t born knowing what they should do or how it should be done. This is up to you.

They are very smart

When it comes to intelligence level, Golden Retrievers rank high on the list. They are not the most intelligent dog breed in the world, but they are close. Studies show that they are the fourth smartest breed in the world. They come in behind only Border Collies, Poodles and German Shepherd breeds. Their smarts are one of the things that make them so popular. Smart dogs are easier to train, they pick up on commands and other things that they’re trained to do more quickly and they have a keen instinct that makes them so valuable as reliable and dependable pets or work dogs. What more can we say? They’re just overall great dogs to own.

The breed was created by a Scottish Lord

Golden Retrievers were created by Lord Tweedmouth in the middle to later 1800s. As he experimented to get just the right mix of genetics, Tweedmouth bred two breeds of dogs. He fully developed the Golden Retriever line, but the other has become extinct. Golden retrievers originate in Scotland and their creator took great pains to breed dogs that would give him the two sets of genes that would result in the beautiful pet that now graces thousands of homes throughout the world. It takes time and effort to get the right combination, and thanks to his patience and demand for perfect results, the world now enjoys an amazing breed of dog in the Golden Retriever.

They have a keen sense of smell

This dog breed has an excellent nose that makes them good trackers. Golden Retrievers are ranked at the top of dog breeds with a good nose, in fact, in some circles they are considered the absolute best. They can smell nearly anything with a scent and if properly trained, they will do so on demand. This is just one of the many traits that make them such good hunting dogs. You will notice that when your Golden Retriever is out having fun in the yard he will put his nose to the ground and follow the trail until you call him back. They’ll track birds, mice, gophers, rabbits, squirrels and anything else that leaves a scent as it scurries along.

They are good swimmers

Swimming is second nature for Golden Retrievers. They instinctively love the water and are willing to jump in and take a few paddles around the pool or a pond. Hunters who enjoy pursuing water fowl especially appreciate the willingness of these dogs to jump in after birds and bring them back to shore. It doesn’t take much coaxing to get a Golden retriever to play a game of fetch at in the lake or to take a swim with the family just for the sake of fun. This also means that you’ll need to keep a watchful eye on your pooch. Although they are good swimmers, they are as likely as a person to get into a dangerous situation that you may need to rescue them from. Their forte is more in swimming than it is in good judgement about where to swim.

They rescue people in distress

Golden Retrievers are a popular choice for rescue dogs. They accompany search and rescue teams and help to pick up on the trail of people who get lost in the wilderness. Their keen sense of smell makes them the best breed choice for the job. They have a high level of strength and stamina that makes it possible for them to help search for several hours at a time before needing to take a break to rest. This is one of the traits that makes them so valuable for hunters. They can be an excellent source of help in wilderness survival situations.

They are popular as therapy dogs

The best dogs for therapy pets have a specific set of traits. They must be friendly, obedient, loyal, warm, affectionate, loving, smart and entertaining. Golden Retrievers fit this description with perfection. That’s why they are so often used as therapy dogs to help people who have been traumatized or who have emotional or mental health issues. These dogs have the ability to reach out to humans with a special kindness and unconditional love that would make anyone feel better on the spot.

They’re water resistant

This is a description that you’d expect to see on an advertisement for a tent or outdoor hammock, but it’s the truth about Golden Retrievers. They grow two layers of fur which is commonly referred to as being double coated. Their outer coat naturally repels water, which is what helps them in retrieving game from water sources in cold weather hunting situations. The double coat is nice for outdoor winter sports, but one drawback is that it will make them shed furiously in the house. This won’t be a problem if you use a dog brush and groom your dog frequently to keep the shedding under control.

They are known to take care of other animals, even cats.

Golden Retrievers are such sweet and wonderful pets that they get pleasure from doing nice things for others. The internet is brimming with amazing videos that show these fabulous caretakers in action. They have been known to foster orphaned kittens as well as squirrels and other animals. While they are by instinct hunters, they are also kind, gentle and domestic dogs that are surprisingly kind hearted creatures. When you raise a Golden Retriever puppy with a kitten, the odds are in favor of the pair becoming best friends for life. Golden Retrievers are loyal to the people and animals that they truly care about. Some cats enjoy the attention that their dog gives them, but watch out because they may get angry when the dog attempts to give them a bath with their tongues. We’re not kidding. This happens quite a lot.

There are three types of Golden Retrievers

Not all Golden Retrievers look exactly the same. There are three different subtypes within the breed. These are the British, the American and the Canadian. Variations have occurred among these breeds, and while all possess a golden color, there are also variations in the shade. Some lean towards a blonde colored coat while others may be yellow or gold. There are also structural differences that make it easier to distinguish one type from another.

British Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers as a breed originated in Scotland. The British type feature a sturdier musculature than the other two types. The coats are generally thicker, their skulls are broader and they usually weigh more. These dogs are more commonly seen in Europe and in Australia. The average height for males is between 22 to 24 inches at thee withers. The females reach a height of 20 to 22 inches. British Retrievers feature dark eyes with a round shape and the coat color can range from gold to cream. Of the three breeds of Golden Retrievers, the British type is the most distinctively different with body shape features that offer a less chiseled appearance than the two North American types.

American Golden Retrievers

This type of retriever is muscular, but is leaner than the British or Canadian types. The average height of males is 23 to 24 inches at thee withers and females reach 21.5 to 22.5 inches in height. They are less muscular, but a little taller on average. They have darker coats that range from a light blonde to a deep and lustrous gold color.

Canadian Golden Retrievers

This type of the breed is distinguished from the other two by the darker and thinner coat. They are generally the tallest ranging from 23 to 24 inches for males and 21.5 to 22.5 for females, as with the American type. The average weight for males is 65 to 75 pounds and 60 to 70 pounds for females. In appearance, they are closer to the American type than they are the British, but specifications for each of these breeds is set by the breeding and judging organizations that govern standards for each respective country.

They crave human attention

Golden Retrievers absolutely need to have the love and attention of their owners. They are warm, affectionate and loving dogs, but they require the attention back in order to be at their healthiest and happiest. This breed is known to become sad if they are left alone for long periods of time, or if they are neglected. They can even become depressed and develop illnesses. It’s never a good idea to leave a Golden Retriever alone for extended periods of time. At maximum, seven to eight hours is the limit. If your job keeps you away for several hours a day, make sure that there is a compatible companion at home with your dog. This can help to ease the loneliness of this wonderful yet sensitive dog. When you think about it, they’re not a lot different they aren’t that different than humans when it comes to the inborn need for love and affection. Your pet will feel as bad as you would if everyone ignored you.

They are better at alerting than defending

Golden Retrievers will let you know if somebody enters your yard or tries to break into your house. They are good at signalling an alert with barking. This is where the security ends with most Goldens. Once a newcomer enters the yard and makes contact, the friendly nature is likely to take over. They are not known to be particularly aggressive, unless this is a part of the training that they receive. It’s a well known fact that any dog is capable of biting or causing injury, and Golden Retrievers are not exception, but they are far less likely to do so than some of the more aggressive dog breeds. This is one of the reasons why so many Golden Retriever owners refer to them as “cup of coffee dogs.” After the alerts have been sounded, if the visitor is friendly, the odds are that the dog will actually want them to be there and will treat them very graciously. You gotta watch out for the occasional character that doesn’t like company. It’s rare, but it happens.

They are fiercely loyal

You will be hard pressed to find a dog breed that is more loyal than a Golden Retriever. These dogs love to please their owners and they are constantly doing things to earn approval. Sure, every dog is going to make a mistake now and then, but these pups give it their all and aim to please. They respond well to the commands of their owner and prefer sticking close by your side, unless they’re out on a hunting mission. This non-violent and non-aggressive dog has even been known to jump in between assailants and their loved ones to protect their families from all harm. They are willing to sacrifice their lives just to protect yours. Can you find a more loyal dog? It’s hard to say, but you’d have to do some serious looking. They’re high up on the list when it comes to loyalty and devotion to their loved ones.

Golden Retrievers need regular medical checkups

Golden Retrievers have the potential for being healthy and happy dogs that enjoy a long and productive life. There are some medical conditions that are common with the breed though. Before purchasing a pup, it’s a good idea to make sure that he or she has been examined by a veterinarian and cleared of hip dysplasia and any other genetic conditions. All dogs are subject to getting fleas, ticks and mites so it’s always a good idea to have them checked out by a vet with regular appointments. Make certain that your dog is immunized, kept pest free, given healthy and nutritious dog food blends and that it gets plenty of exercise, love and attention. This is how to keep your Golden Retriever healthy and happy for years of high quality companionship.

About The Author

Nat Berman

Nat is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Uncoached Corporation and all its properties. His primary roles are managing editorial, business development, content development, online acquisitions, and operations.Uncoached began in 2007 with one site and a goal of creating content that was clear, concise, worth reading, entertaining, and useful. Since then the portfolio has grown to 8 properties covering a wide array of verticals including business, personal finance, real estate, architecture, television, movies, entertainment, video games, lifestyle, pets, and more.Follow him on Twitter @nathanielberman

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